Our sun and other more exotic stars

The sun is a sort of respectable citizen amongst stars. Others are red giants or white dwarfs. Some stars brighten and fade repeatedly; some explode. How technical we get depends on the questions you ask. Will the sun explode?

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Key course information

Date
30/10/11

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £47^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HS009

Availability
This course has finished

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

Understanding our Sun is a star and the huge variety of types that “star” can cover.

What topics will we cover?

The Sun and how its changes with time.
3 physical types and 7 coloured types of stars
Numbers of stars
Blue stars are young!
What happens when the fuel runs out
Novae and Supernovae
Remnants: dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, planetary nebulae, Supernova Remnants.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Outline how the Sun works
Briefly narrate its history and likely future
Describe the three major types of stars
Remember the stellar classification mnemonic
Explain to a novice why blue stars must be young
Describe without unnecessary technicality how a star becomes a red giant.
Understand why only some stars can explode
Remain dry-eyed when telling the different fates of different stars.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Introductory level, but open ended (within limits in a single day). A little scientific knowledge is useful, not essential.
The important skill is asking questions (which can be done anonymously). While no particular skills are essential, an enthusiasm for learning and an open and critical mind will enhance your enjoyment and benefit from this course.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Illustrated presentations with opportunities to ask questions and discuss topics.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring a pen and paper.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

The City Lit runs term long Science course as well as 1 day courses.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.